If you use our locator tool to find the map coordinates of any GPS location, you will be presented with two numbers that might look like gibberish at first glance. Understanding how to read these GPS coordinates is essential for using them effectively in navigation systems or sharing them with others.
Two Common Formats
There are two primary ways that map coordinates are written:
1. Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds (DMS)
This is the traditional, nautical method of writing coordinates. It looks like this: 41°24'12.2"N 2°10'26.5"E.
- The first block is Latitude (North/South).
- The second block is Longitude (East/West).
- It reads as: 41 Degrees, 24 Minutes, 12.2 Seconds North.
2. Decimal Degrees (DD)
This is the modern format used by computers, smartphones, and tools like Google Maps. It converts the minutes and seconds into a single decimal number. It looks like this: 41.40338, 2.17403.
In Decimal Degrees, there are no "N", "S", "E", or "W" letters. Instead, direction is indicated by positive or negative numbers:
- Latitude: Positive is North of the equator. Negative is South.
- Longitude: Positive is East of the Prime Meridian. Negative is West.
Why Decimal Degrees are Better
If you need to copy the map coordinates of any GPS location to send to a friend or paste into an app, Decimal Degrees are far superior. They are just two numbers separated by a comma. You don't have to hunt down the degree symbol (°) on your keyboard or worry about spacing errors confusing the GPS software.